Verbinski inks first-look deal at U

'Pirates' director developing 'Bioshock'

Gore Verbinski has landed a three-year first-look deal at Universal Pictures, where he’s developing a bigscreen adaptation of the hit videogame “Bioshock.”

Helmer, who directed the three pics in Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, will focus his efforts on the vidgame pic before moving on to other projects through his now U-based Blind Wink Prods. shingle.

Based on the Take-Two title, the script by John Logan (“The Aviator,” “Gladiator”) revolves around the mysterious events that transpire in an underwater utopia known as Rapture.

“I look forward to taking my own productivity up a notch both as a producer and director,” Verbinski said.

Take-Two is developing a “Bioshock” sequel that will be released in 2009, likely before the film hits theaters.